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THE ITALIAN COACHBUILDER SITE

Ford Forty-Nine

2001

THE VEHICLE AT A GLANCE

Model dossier

Production period
2001
Body style
Coupé / Cabriolet
Engine
V8
Type
Concept
Production
2

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAR

Coachbuilding, design & conversions

Ghia

Design Studio · Attributed

Attribution at design programme / family level; no chassis-specific design document established.

345 linked vehicles

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PRICE & SALES RECORD

Vehicle value

Original price
Not documented
Latest recorded sale
Not documented

01 / THE STORY

History & context

The Ford Forty-Nine was a striking concept car that blended retro influences with modern design elements. Inspired by the classic Ford models of 1949-1951, the Forty-Nine coupe concept paid homage to the custom cars of the era, which were often chopped and channeled to create a lower and more aggressive stance. This vehicle was developed by Ghia in Italy and presented a bold reimagining of the traditional Ford design, combining vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. One of the most distinctive features of the Ford Forty-Nine was its design. The sleek coupe sported rounded, high-intensity discharge (HID) front lighting and projector-beam headlights that brought a futuristic touch to its classic shape. The car’s narrow, wrap-around LED taillights further emphasized its modern flair, while the roof, featuring an all-glass upper structure, allowed for an expansive view of the surroundings and contributed to the vehicle’s airy and open feel. Inside, the Ford Forty-Nine’s cabin featured a raised center console running down the middle between four bucket seats. This interior layout offered a sense of exclusivity and sportiness, with the central console serving as a visual focal point. In front of the driver was a single-dial gauge cluster that reflected a retro vibe, recalling the simple elegance of classic Ford dashboards. Under the hood, the Ford Forty-Nine was powered by a “Thunderbird” 3.9-liter DOHC V-8 engine, a refined and tuned version of Ford’s muscle, designed to complement the vehicle’s sporty appearance. The “Powered by Thunderbird” badge on the side proudly indicated its potent engine, delivering performance in line with its bold, dynamic design. Developed by Ghia, the Ford Forty-Nine concept stood out as a fascinating fusion of past and present, showcasing Ghia’s skill in bringing forward-looking concepts to life with a nod to classic automotive history.

02 / TECHNICAL IDENTITY

Specifications & construction

Production & construction

Production
2
Production type
Concept
Production notes
AllCarIndex supports the 2001 Ford Forty-Nine concept and lists Ghia as design studio. Physical build attribution is not established, so coachbuilder_key remains blank. Preserve two-concept semantics (coupé plus static convertible) and Ghia only as design-studio context. NO_AUTO_INHERIT.

Engine & performance

Engine configuration
V8

Design & manufacture

Design Studio · Attributed
Ghia
Manufacturer · Documented
Ford

06 / EVENTS & AWARDS

Events & awards

No events or documented awards are currently recorded for this vehicle.

08 / FROM THE ARCHIVE

Archive

References held in the vehicle dossier. Their inclusion does not establish that every historical claim has been independently verified.

ReferenceSource type
AllCarIndex — 2001 Ford Forty Nine www.allcarindex.com Specialist concept archive

THE CONVERSATION

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